Rocky Mountain House will be holding its first ever Christmas Tree Lighting celebration on Nov. 23.

Along with a tree lighting to kick off the season, the event will include pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, and cookies provided by a local bakery.

The event will also feature music from a local choir, and a special appearance from the Grinch.

The event is thanks to hard work of volunteers and the generosity of businesses and individuals, says Community Events Committee Chair, Tina Hutchinson.

She mentions a number of committee members have only lived in Rocky a couple years, but are enthusiastic to see more community events happen in town.

Some of the lights on the gazebo will be a permanent fixture, says Hutchinson. Although, because of recent vandalism in the area, most lights will come down after the holidays.

The free event goes from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Helen Hunley Memorial Park in Rocky Mountain House.

Hutchinson says the committee has a busy 2025 planned with events planned for Family Day, Canada Day, as well as the return of Alberta Day celebrations.

In the future, Hutchinson says the committee has discussed putting on smaller block party type events, as well as larger events such as music festivals or David Thompson Day.

(Town of Rocky Mountain House)